Map packs on the way for Halo 3

With Halo 3 currently claiming the title of the most played game on Microsoft's Xbox Live network, there will be plenty of gamers celebrating the news that Bungie is to release two multiplayer map bundles for the world-beating FPS.

Microsoft blog Gamerscore reports that the first bundle will arrive for download on Xbox Live on December 11th and will contain three new maps – Stand Off, Rat's Nest and Foundry. It will cost 800 Microsoft Points.

In addition, Bungie will release a second map pack in Spring 2008, though no details have been confirmed about it as of yet. However, those unwilling to fork out the virtual buck for the initial offering will be able to download it for free upon the second pack's arrival.